January 25, 2018

A dozen stairs below ground, this drinkers’ pub inhabits the northern tip of the Italian Market. Three beers on tap—one microbrew, one big-name, one low-priced—and a rock-stocked jukebox aim to please patrons on all types of budgets.

Mom-and-pop tap houses abound down on Two Street, so the Brewhouse decided to do something a little different — its comfy-chair feel encourages drinkers to stay awhile and taste through their always-rotating selection of a dozen drafts.

September 16, 2017University City District ups the cool factor to combat the summer heat with the return of the 40th Street Summer Series, free outdoor concerts on the last Saturdays of June, July, August and September.

Abyssinia is a long-time favorite of Spruce Hill residents fond of the singular spices and textures of Ethiopian and Eritrean cuisine. Abyssinia cooks up savory and authentic Ethiopian cuisine in a neighborhood packed with African dining destinations. The native Tusker Lager beer complements tasty vegetarian and meat-based entrees served on traditional injera bread.

This Southwest-style, vegetarian-friendly abode features house-made sangria, generous happy hour specials and karaoke every Saturday night. Sports enthusiasts practically get a front-row seat to the game from any spot at the U-shaped bar.

At Old City’s Amada, chef Jose Garces has created a grand tapas restaurant, complete with a wall of wooden sangria casks, cured hams and cheeses hanging over the main bar and a menu that ranges from traditional eats to modern take on Spanish fare.

One of the city’s most unique event venues, the Arts Garage is many things to many people: gallery, under-the-radar bar, dance club, presentation space and marketplace. Its “plug and play” accessibility means it appeals to a wide range of performers and creators.

Situated just a few feet from the popular Philadelphia Brewing Co., Lost Bar is not officially affiliated with the makers of Kenzinger, but they sure as heck have the freshest draft selection you’ll ever find. Yes, it’s a place for shots and pints, but they’re also known for their next-level Bloody Marys available on weekends.

Combine a sizable craft beer list with more than 40 25-cent classic arcade games, and the result is Barcade. Based on locations in Brooklyn and Jersey City, the bar-arcade combo also offers up a generous menu and outdoor space—for those who can tear themselves away from Tetris or Donkey Kong.

Somewhere between a gastropub and pizza parlor is Birra, serving an assortment of thin-crust pizza (including the head-turning mac-and-cheese pizza), paninis (try the grilled cheese) and antipasto, as well as an impressive list of craft beers. Plenty of sidewalk seating adds to the modest table count and provides a view of the avenue.